(Okay, really I can’t remember what vol./iss. this should be, so I’m starting fresh!)

Front Page

Headline #1: Father’s Day a huge success

Synopsis: Yesterday was a fun day.  Eric got a card from his kids in the morning.  I had printed out a free card that they “colored” for him.  He really liked it, I think.  Then we spent the day with my family since Eric’s parents weren’t home yesterday.  We actually drove down to C-ville for church (the whole family was there), put the kids in Grace’s nursery (they did great), and then spent the afternoon at my parents’ house.  My brother and dad were in a video they showed at church, which was cool to see.  And my dad seemed to enjoy his gifts and cards, as well as just getting to spend the day surrounded by his kids and grandkids.  It was really a fun day.  And my mom made a really yummy brunch for us all.  She’s awesome, too!

Headline #2: No Sleep for the Weary

Synopsis: For some reason, the babies had a very bad sleep day yesterday.  Of course, Sunday morning means no morning nap.  And we decided to hold them up until dinner after church.  Finally, they collapsed (quite happily) into their pack n plays for a nap.  But they were up again in about an hour.  Yikes!  So we left my parents in the late afternoon so they could (hopefully) nap a bit on the way home and then get to bed at a decent time.  Um…no such luck.  Neither slept on the drive home.  And even though they kept lying down after supper (on floors, couches, us), when we put them to bed, they wouldn’t go to sleep.  To tired to relax, I guess. Thankfully, they still weren’t too inclined to melt down.  And they did sleep most of the night.  But you can be very sure, we will be getting on-time naps today!

Headline #3: Saturday filled with Chores

Synopsis:  We cleaned, organized, and purged all day on Saturday.  While I was at a hair appointment, Eric started on some of the kitchen counters and then moved to the garage.  When I got home, I kept working in the kitchen and eventually moved to the laundry room (I found the top of the dryer!).  Eric also worked outside a good bit.  He’s almost done with the mulching.  And three years after we created it, he finished the flower bed on the side of the house.  It looks awesome!  While the upstairs is still in a bit of disarray (especially since some piles simply moved from kitchen to loft), the downstairs is looking fabulous.  Yay for us!

Arts & Leisure

Movie Review: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Synopsis: I was surprised how much I did not really like this movie.  It was just too weird.  The characters weren’t bad.  The premise wasn’t bad.  But the actual plot was so ridiculous and unbelievable that I stopped being able to “willingly suspend” my disbelief.  So, maybe you really just have to be in elementary school to enjoy this movie.  Or maybe it’s just not worth watching.  I wonder if the book is that bad, too…

Book Review: The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

Synopsis: The book has a fast-paced and interesting plot.  The characters were very good.  And there were a couple of plot twists thrown in which caught me totally by surprise.  So far, so good.  Unfortunately, the “theology” and “bibliology” of this book (if they can even be called by those names) were frighteningly problematic.  I knew to expect a lack of good exegesis from reading The Da Vinci Code, and I have never yet figured out whether these ideas are Brown’s own or just necessary to the characters.  But for all the hoopla that surrounded Da Vinci and its “effects” on people’s faith, this book (which received very little attention for those reasons) is actually much more dangerous.  The ideas about the Bible and what it supposedly teaches are seriously heretical.  Of course, as long as you are aware of that reality, and can read the book with a critical eye (and without just accepting the characters’ ideas as truth), you need not avoid the book.  It is a very good read.  And a well-told story.  But you can, if you want, just skip the last 15-20 pages of “talking” and you won’t lose anything important to the story.

Business Section

Headline: No Longer Playing “The Game”

Synopsis: This morning, I cancelled my subscription to The Grocery Game.  I have used the website for about three months, but it had become apparent that it wasn’t really working for me.  First of all, the stores in my area did not have the same sales/coupon specials that the site indicated would be there.  So while the database indicated I could get an item for, say, $1.25 with coupons and such, my price would never be that low (because of lack of doubling/tripling or something).  Also, my stores didn’t seem to stock well the items that were the best bargains.  So multiple times (sometimes on a single shopping trip), the shelf would be totally bare of the cereal, cake mix, or other item that was supposedly a great deal.  I never figured out whether to blame the store for not having enough or other shoppers for not leaving some for others, but this reality very much frustrated me.  Thirdly, the philosophy was to keep your coupon inserts and cut them as you went.  And this merely resulted in me having a large stack of (very old) coupon inserts on my kitchen counters.  Since I never found a good way to organize them, I just finally gave up.

So now, I’m going back to my old way of shopping.  I am going to cut out every coupon that I might use and then throw away the inserts.  I am going to go back to planning carefully what I need for the next two weeks of meals or snacks so that (hopefully) I only need to go to the grocery twice a month (or maybe a quick run for milk or something super necessary).  I am going to buy, to the best of my ability, what’s on sale and with coupons.  And if there’s a good sale, I will stock up on something.  But mostly, I never really figured out how to make the “shopping to stock up” philosophy work for my family.  I will miss having the Grocery Game site to have an idea of what’s on sale before I go.  But sadly, the site didn’t really help me recoup more than it cost to subscribe.  And that made it not really worth the cost.

Editorial Page

Headline: Fireworks Not Good for Community Connections

Synopsis: So our neighbors, it seems, love fireworks.  Yes, they’re illegal.  Yes, they are done (professionally) 2-3 times a year.  But neither of those things are sufficient for some of our cul-de-sac compatriots.  While I was told that a neighbor did once call out “Does anyone mind if I set these off?” to the neighborhood at large, we weren’t home that night.  Nor can one easily respond well to such a “request” for permission.  So it continues.  And while the older boys in the neighborhood (upper elementary and middle school, mostly) think it’s marvelous, the rest of us are less than amused. 

It is an annoying and frustrating reality that from Memorial Day to Labor Day (with the peak being around Fourth of July, obviously), our neighbors submit us to a barrage of bangs, whistles and booms around dusk on a regular basis.  In recent weeks, someone has been setting up shop in the middle of the cul-de-sac every 2-3 days (or so), and as the Fourth approaches, it will become even worse.  The weekend of the Fourth, they will set fireworks off every night.  

This habit is incredibly frustrating because it distresses the dogs and babies nearby.  For obvious reasons, the fireworks displays that they set off happen after our children’s bedtimes, which makes for a tense few minutes while I pray they don’t wake up scared.  When one went off unexpectedly on an evening where we had our windows open, my daughter absolutely melted down in fear.  And one that was set off while I was driving down the street sounded like a gunshot and scared me quite badly.  

Not only are fireworks distressing aurally, those who set off the fireworks are really inconsiderate of their neighbors’ properties.  They set them off in the middle of our cul-de-sac’s turnaround, though they do not live on the properties adjacent to that part of the street.  So the next morning, those of us who do own those properties awake to find our roofs, yards, sidewalks, and driveways covered in burnt paper and other fireworks remnants.  This is particularly annoying because I can’t let my babies play where such paraphernalia is, and our neighbors who are selling their house now have to deal with trash on their roof and in their yards during showings.

I am not opposed to fireworks in general.  If the “displays” were limited to those special holidays which are particularly associated with fireworks, I would have no real beef.  But the inconsideration of our neighbors seems to be getting worse and worse (especially this summer), and I have no real idea how to deal with the situation.  It is quite annoying, and I wish people would be a little more concerned about how their “fun” affects those around them in less than fun ways. 

And that is the newest edition of our “online paper” – Happy Monday!

…and I’m dumpy.  Not really sure why.  I’ve been fighting it all week.  

I could go through a list of all my complaints, but I suspect that won’t help me get over myself.  Which is what I really need to do, I think.

So I’ve been trying to be more diligent about doing productive things and making sure I spend some time in my bible and giving myself a schedule for the day and such. 

But mostly, I am still struggling not to wallow. 

I guess it’s just one of those weeks. 

Feel free to share any happy Friday thoughts you’ve got…especially if you’ve had a really great week.

And I hope you all have a marvelous weekend!

We went to a sprinkler park in Dublin (the Bunny Park, for all who know) yesterday for the first time.  I got lost on the way there (Google Maps gave less than stellar directions), but thankfully, Karen helped me figure out how to find the place. 

Alex thought it was the best-est place on earth.  He splashed and tried to catch the fountains when they disappeared.  He loved the waterfalls and drinking out of the sprays, then wiping his face off and doing it again.  He made sure he could always see me, but he was having a blast!

Erin, well, not so much.  It was pretty full, and commotion tends to overwhelm her easily.  It was loud, too, from the sound of rushing water and the spray jets.  And she hates loud noises.  And we skipped morning nap to go, so she was pretty tired.  Which meant that I held her for most of the time we were there.  I did coax her to stand on her own a couple of times, but inevitably, some bigger kids would go barreling by and splash her in the face, and she’d melt down again.  

So we were 1-for-2 at the Bunny Park, but I still consider it a successful venture.  After all, we made it out of the house.  We went to a park.  And I actually and intentionally went to a gathering of twin mommies I didn’t know (this is somewhat hard for me, you might be surprised to know).  

And I learned a couple of things…

1. I need to start taking my kids to more places where other kids are.  They may still be too young to play with the kids, but they need to spend time around kids other than just each other.

2. It is really hard to take twins (at this age) out to a place like that by myself.  We can do stores pretty easily.  But parks and social gatherings are very tiring for me.  I need to do it more so we all get better at it, but yesterday, I came home pretty darn beat!

So anyway, that was our adventure for yesterday.  Today, the adventure is going to be limited to laundry.  Exciting, I know.  But mommy is running out of shirts to wear!  So happy Thursday!!

So the babies turned 18 months old last week.  But this morning we had their well-visit appointment.  It went very “well.”

Erin was not a fan of the doctor this time.  It was like she remembered him and was less than happy that he was in the room with us.  The funny thing is that he never does the “mean” things (ie, shots), so I’m not sure why she was so opposed to his presence.  Oh well…  

The doctor was, as usual, very helpful with information and ideas for where they are and what to expect.  He agreed we aren’t ready to potty-train yet.  And he recommended leaving them in cribs until 2 (unless they start pitching themselves out all of a sudden).  I’m not sure whether we will do that or whether we will transition them to toddler beds before the new baby comes (so we can use one of the cribs for her!).  I’m still torn about the best way to rearrange things to accommodate NLS (new little sister).  I guess we have some time yet, though, so we shall see where things go…

Anyway, as for an update, they are both 31.5 inches long.  Alex is still a pound heavier (23+ to Erin’s 22+).  And that pound still feels like 4 pounds when you pick them up.  They way they eat, I was expecting much closer to 25 lbs. each, but hey, I guess that means I’m not over-feeding them!

As for percentiles, they’re both pretty small.  Erin’s height puts her at 42nd percentile.  But other than that, they’re less than 20% for weight.  And Alex is about 25th percentile in height.  It would seem Erin did more growing than Alex this time, but I have heard that boys do more growth than girls during the 18-24 month range.  So we shall see how things stand in December!

(Yikes…I just realized I left without scheduling a 2-year appointment.  Dang it!  I hate having to remember to call them to schedule.  I should do that soon, though, so I don’t forget.)

I’m not sure if I have a lot of other new 18 month old updates.  Here’s what I can think of –   

– They are loving to walk places, holding our hands (instead of using the stroller).  I have to admit…I like it, too!

– Erin’s new word is “potty.”  This usually is referring to me going to the bathroom, but I figure giving her some vocab related to potty-training is a good place to start.

– They are learning to eat “with forks.”  Mostly this looks like them holding a fork in one hand and eating with their other hand as usual.  But sometimes, the whole spoon/fork – to food – to mouth thing actually works.  And so far, we haven’t gotten too messy in the process!

– Alex has stopped sleeping well at night again over the weekend.  I think we’re just over-tired.  And he usually doesn’t require my presence to settle back down.  But it’s never fun to be awakened 1-2 times in the night, so I hope he gets back to good sleep soon!

– Yesterday, at my parents’ house, Alex was LOVING the slide.   He liked to go down on his stomach, feet-first.  He couldn’t get enough.  The boy has no fear…it’s really fun to watch!

And I guess that’s about it…have a happy Monday!

The babies have discovered a new love this week…stickers!  Thanks to the lady at Kroger for introducing them to their new favorite thing…

I just spent about $15 at our neighbors garage sale.  I got a Fisher Price dollhouse with a tub of people, furniture and accessories.  I got a sprinkler, a kids cd, a huge tub of sidewalk chalk, a fun Egyptian thing for my dad (from Egypt!), an exercise ball (complete with pump), and about 30 minutes of major fun for the twins who though roaming through someone else’s junk was the best thing in the entire world!  

Yesterday, Karen and my mom and I made strawberry freezer jam.  Long, tiring day, but so, so worth it when you’re spreading the jam on your toast in January!

We ran to Meijer this morning.  I have a few more berries to process and needed some things.  More sugar for another batch of jam.  Some pie crusts and jello for fresh strawberry pie.  Yum…

Tomorrow, my brother-in-law is coming to hang out with “us” for a few hours.  “Us” usually means Eric, though he does like to see the babies, too.  I’m pretty sure he just puts up with me as part of the deal!

Sunday is my niece’s birthday party.  She’ll be 5 on the fifteenth.  Should be a fun afternoon.  

And I think that’s all.  Happy Friday!

So we headed to the farm on Friday night.  We stayed until Sunday afternoon.  We were very busy in between.  See?

We got haircuts.

We loved the porch and porch swing (it rained all weekend almost, so this was as far outside as we could go!)

We made funny faces.

And finally, we are practicing the use of utensils when we eat.  It’s going okay so far…

Since we had a very busy weekend, a full-out recap will take too long.  And sadly, our camera is full, and I haven’t figured out how to post videos to Xanga yet.  So you’ll just have to use your imaginations for now…

The Good Things

1. Eric was home Thursday-Monday.  It was lovely!  He got a ton of work done outside (mulching the front beds, trimming bushes, etc).  He felt productive and loved hanging with us.  

2. Our anniversary was Saturday.  We went out together.  Apparently, the 6th anniversary is traditionally the “iron anniversary” – so we bought a metal-framed stroller, a new kitchen knife, and saw Iron Man 2!

3. Last week was full of visits.  My parents were here on Monday and Thursday.  Eric’s mom came on Tuesday and Saturday.  We had a party at my mom’s on Monday.  It was all good.

4. I bought the babies 2 little inflatable baby pools for $1.99 each at Meijer.  They are one ring high and just under 3 feet across.  And they LOVE them.  Oh how I wish I could show you all the video!

5. My son is all-boy.  He is drawn like a magnet to dirt.  He definitely needs a sandbox.  

6. Erin loves riding the tricycles at my mom’s house (we have to push her on them).  Again, I wish I could show you the video because the laughter just warms the heart!

7. There have been a number of thunderstorms around here recently.  I thunderstorms!

8. I actually took the twins to the library yesterday, and we had a great time!  I let them play in the kids area, looking at books and exploring.  We will definitely be doing that again soon!  Oh, and I got books, too.  Also lovely!

The Lesser Things

1. Last night, I gave myself a steam-burn on my finger.   It really hurt.  It’s better today, but seriously, you should all avoid that happening to you, if possible.

2. My summer infestation of sugar ants started this weekend, right after we turned on the A/C.  Seriously, I hate those things.  But so far, I’m ahead of them.  And it’s forcing me to keep my counters clean.  (So maybe that part should go in the top section.)

3. I don’t know if this was true for any of you, but finding a girl name that I like is really, really hard.  If you have any suggestions of names you’ve always loved (whether you used them or not), I am very open to suggestions.  I realize we have 4 months, but we didn’t get the twins names until about 2 weeks before they were born.  And it was Erin’s name that was the final hurdle there.  

4. I’m in “boredom” mode again.  It’s a cycle, I know.  And I know the cure is to start committing myself to finishing, not just starting things.  So, I’m re-reading Jane Eyre (one of my most favorite books) because I know I’ll finish it.  And I’m purposely being better about going places and doing things again.  Hopefully that will really get me moving again.

Okay, it sounds like naps are ending.  And that is the update as I can remember it right now, anyway.  Happy Wednesday!

On Friday, I posted about the results of our ultrasound and some of my initial response.  I appreciate all the comments you offered.  It also come to my attention that what I said was hurtful (a little or a lot) to some people.  And I wanted to respond as best I can to any hurt I caused.  And since I chose to share honestly with you all, I thought it appropriate to share the apology openly as well.  

To those I hurt:

I am truly sorry that my words hurt or offended you.  They were not meant to do so.  They were, truth be told, not comments about you, about my kids (born or unborn), or about kids in general.  They were really comments about me and my fears and lack of confidence in my own parenting ability.  

I never intended to insinuate that I love my daughters less than my son.  Only that I am less confident in my parenting skills with girls.  And I’m sorry that you read my words as any indictment of either of my daughters or of you and yours.

To those of you with only girls:

I am truly sorry if my words suggested for even a second that you are somehow “missing out” because you don’t have a son.  Of course, you are not.  Nor would you think you are, I’m sure.  The joy that comes from boys is not better than that from girls.  It is a very different joy that cannot be compared.  But I did not mean to disparage your girls or your lives “in favor of” boys.  And I’m sorry if you read that in what I said.

To my Daughters:

Some suggested that my words might mean I don’t love you like I love Alex. That I am not thrilled to have you.  That you somehow have to “earn” my love because you weren’t boys.  How it breaks my Momma’s heart to even have to type those sentences out.  I am not sorry that God chose me to be your mommy.  I am beyond thankful.   And I cannot fathom my life without you.  Instead of ever wondering whether I love you, wether you are “good enough” for me, know this: I am your Momma, I love you more than life, and I am trusting God to make into the parent you need and deserve.  I’m gonna make mistakes, but that won’t ever change how much I love you and how much I want you in our family. 

To the rest of you:

I am sorry that my blog today is such a downer.  But I felt I needed to say these things.  I hope you will hang with me…you help and encourage me more than I can say.  You help me learn how to live, love Jesus and my family, and parent better by sharing your life with me, and letting me share mine with you.  Thanks for listening.  

Happy Tuesday.

But in case you didn’t see it there…we’re having another girl!

The doctor said she’s 90% sure.  But either way, we have suitable clothes, so if she happens to turn out to be a boy, we’re covered.

I’ll be honest, I was just a touch disappointed.  I did sort of want a boy.  But that is mostly because I am a girl, and I know how easy it is to screw girls up.  In many ways, boys are just easier.  But, I’ll just have to trust that we need her, and she needs us.  And by the time she’s born, I won’t care at all.  I know this because I felt the same way about Erin at the 20 week ultrasound…and I wouldn’t trade her with a boy for the world!

Other than gender, she looks perfectly healthy with a clear, well-formed heart.  And she’s measuring perfectly for her development stage.  So we are thrilled about that news, of course!

And that is the update as I know it.  Happy Friday!

It’s going to be a busy weekend…

Eric is taking tomorrow and Friday off.  Yippee!  

We have our 20 week ultrasound tomorrow.  My parents will be watchin’ the twins for us.  Maybe we’ll do something with them in the afternoon.

Our 6th anniversary is Saturday.  Not sure what we’re doing to celebrate yet, but hopefully it will involve getting out of the house without babies for a bit!

And the weather is supposed to be gorgeous for the rest of the holiday weekend.  Lovely!  Now if I only had a pool…

Happy Wednesday!